ByLaws

Golf Course Superintendents Association of Central California

By-Laws

ADOPTED FEBRUARY 1964
AMENDED 1992, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2004,2006, 2013, 2016

ARTICLE I

NAME – LOCATION – OBJECT

SECTION 1. NAME:    The name of this Association shall be GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA (GCSACC).

SECTION 2. LOCATION:

The location of the Association shall be in the County of Fresno, State of California.  The Association’s principle office and its records shall be maintained under the direction of the Secretary-Treasurer at such place(s) selected by said officer with the approval of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3. OBJECT:

The purpose of this Association shall be to unite the Golf Course Superintendents of Central California into a cooperative group for the collection, preservation, and dissemination of scientific and practical knowledge, thereby effecting a more efficient and economical maintenance of Golf Courses and improving and enhancing the proficiency and professionalism of its members.

ARTICLE II

MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. APPROVAL OR REJECTION OF APPLICANT:

Application for membership must be presented to the Board of Directors for membership review.  Effective July 1, 1997, each applicant for Class A, Class B, or Class C membership in this association must also present an application for membership or evidence of membership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), and maintain such membership thereafter.  If the application is in order, it will be read at the following membership meeting.  The Board shall again review the application and it shall be approved by two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors present.  In any case in which an applicant is refused membership in the Association, the amount remitted with the application shall be returned.  If the refused applicant so desires, they may request a hearing for reconsideration before the Board of Directors.  This request is to be granted at the following Board Meeting.

SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP CLASSES:

Class A – Golf Course Superintendent:  To qualify for class A, an applicant must be in full and complete charge of the golf course and responsible only to the greens Committee, General Manager, Owner, Park Superintendent and/or Recreation Superintendent, Director of Golf, Director of Grounds.  Golf Courses with more than one class “A” Superintendent, may have the title of one of the above.  An applicant shall have at the time of application for membership, at least three (3) years experience as a Golf Course Superintendent and be employed as such.  Class A members shall have all the privileges of the Association.

Class B– Golf Course Superintendent:  To qualify for  Class B membership, an applicant must be actively engaged as a Golf Course Superintendent responsible only to the Greens Committee, General Manager, Owner, Park Superintendent, and/or Recreation Superintendent, Director of Golf, Director of Grounds, and must have been so engaged for less than three (3) years.  Class B members shall have all the privileges of the Association, Transfer from Class B to Class A shall be by filing proper application and shall be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Facility Membership – A facility membership is available to those facilities that operate with limited resources.  The membership is in the name of the facility.  However, the recipient of the membership benefits and information can be the superintendent, owner, or other representative selected by a golf facility.  The facility is entitled to all privileges of membership, except those of voting and holding office.

Class C – Assistant Golf Course Superintendent:  To qualify for the Class C membership, an applicant shall be actively engaged as an assistant to a golf course superintendent.  Class C members shall have all the privileges of the Association, except holding office.

Class D – Employees of a Golf Course Superintendent:  To qualify for Class D membership, an applicant, at the time of application, must be employed by a Class A or Superintendent Member of the GCSACC.  A Class D member shall have all the privileges of the Association, except that such members may not vote or hold office, Transfer from Class D to another membership class, upon proper application, shall be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Class E – Affiliate Members: Affiliate members shall consist of the following; purveyors of all types of equipment and materials used for construction and maintenance of golf courses.  Class E members shall have all the rights and privileges of the Association except that such members may not vote or hold office.

Class S – Student Members: To qualify for a Class S membership, an applicant must be currently enrolled in an accredited turf, ornamental horticulture, agronomy, or any program related to golf course management.  Membership in this class, after due application, shall be granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  Student members may not vote or hold office.

Class AA Gold Card Members: To qualify for this Class AA, an applicant must have been a Charter member or member in good standing who has retired and is recommended by majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Class EE Gold Card Members: To qualify for this Class EE, an applicant must have been a Class E member in good standing and on retirement, be recommended by majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Inactive Members: An inactive member is one who by circumstances such as unemployment, illness, or adverse financial condition, is unable to pay dues.  Membership in this class after due application, shall be granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  Inactive members may not vote or hold office

Honorary Members: To qualify for Honorary Membership, the individual must be recognized annually by the Board of Directors for contributing in an outstanding manner to this Association or profession or related field.

Associate Members: To qualify for Associate Membership, an applicant shall consist of the following: Agronomists, Extension specialists, Park superintendent, Educator and Assistants in each category or must be an individual interested in golf course management and/or in the growing or production of fine turfgrass.  Association members shall have such privileges of the Association as the Board of Directors may specify by Standing Rules, except those of voting and holding office.

ARTICLE III

DUES

 The dues for all membership classes shall be set annually by the Board of Directors.

Dues shall be paid annually in advance and are due and payable on January 1st, becoming delinquent April 1st.  Delinquent memberships will be terminated by approval of the Board of Directors.  A new application will be required to re-join the association once memberships have been terminated.  In case of proven hardship, documentation must be received by March 31st and dues may be suspended by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.  The membership shall be suspended, if dues are not paid by April 1st.

For anyone joining the Association after October 1st, initial dues will be applied to the following year.

 ARTICLE V

OFFICERS & ELECTIONS

SECTION 1.  The Board of Directors:

The Board of Directors shall consist of the following three officers: a President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer. These officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the membership at the annual election of this Association in January of each year and each officer shall serve a term of one year.  These officers shall be Class A or Class B members of GCSAA.  A majority of the board of directors shall be GCSAA Class A or Class B members.  In addition to the officers, the  Board of  Directors shall consist of eight Directors which include four Directors to be elected by majority vote of the membership, Affiliate Representatives to be elected by the majority vote of the Affiliate membership, one Assistant Golf Course Superintendent to be elected by majority vote of the membership, and the immediate past president.  The past president and Assistant Golf Course Superintendent shall each serve a term of one year, while the four Directors and two Affiliate Representatives shall all serve terms of two years.  Two directors and one Affiliate Representative shall be elected each year.  Each member of the Board of Directors shall be entitled to vote at held meetings in which a quorum necessary for the transaction of business shall not be less than a majority of said Board of Directors.

SECTION 2.  Vacancies

Vacancies occurring in any office or in the Board of Directors of the Association shall be filled by appointment by the President upon the approval of the majority of the Board of Directors.  Appointments made under the provisions of this section shall be for the duration of the unexpired term of office or directorship vacated.

SECTION 3.  Duties and Power of the Board of Directors:

The Board of Directors shall establish the policies of the Association.  The Board shall meet from time to time to consider matters of policy relating to the Association and its welfare.  Recommendations of the Board, except where otherwise stated in the By-Laws, shall be subject to approval by the members of the Association.

SECTION 4.  Duties of the President:

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and the Board of Directors.  He/she shall appoint all committees and be an ex-officio member of all committees.

SECTION 5.  Duties of the Vice-President:

In case of the absence or inability of the President to act, the Vice-President shall, during the period of such absence or disability, perform the duties herein before required of the President.  In the event the office of the President shall become vacant for any reason, the Vice-President shall perform all the duties of the President until the annual election.  In the event the office of both President and Vice-President shall become vacant, the remainder of the Board of Directors shall elect one of their members to fill the vacancy in the office of President.

SECTION 6. Duties of the Secretary/Treasurer:

The Secretary/Treasurer shall be present at all of the meetings of the Board of Directors and regular monthly meetings.  Under the direction of the Secretary/Treasurer the Association Manager shall:  record all transactions of the meetings in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order:  Give Proper notice of regular monthly meetings and meetings of the Board of Directors, collection of membership dues, monies, bills, bonds, or notes and deposit of same to the credit of the Association in a depository approved by the Board of Directors.  Pay bills in a timely and businesslike manner; Keep proper financial records in accordance with Standard Accounting Practices, that shall be open to any class A or Superintendent Member of the association at any time The Secretary/Treasurer shall, with two (2) officers of the Association, perform an audit of the Association’s financial books for the past year ending March 31st

SECTION 7.  Election of Officers:

The President shall appoint a nominating committee approved by the Board of Directors sixty (60) days prior to the election date, which shall consist of at least three voting members of the Association.  Said nominating committee shall present at the election meeting in January a slate of officers consisting of one or more nominees for each other office to be filled.  The election chairman shall ask for further nominations from the floor and when said nominations shall be closed, said election shall proceed in orderly fashion by a secret ballot upon all the nominations so submitted and made.  The newly elected officers for the ensuing year shall be installed and shall officiate at the regular meeting in February.

SECTION 8.  Proxies

Each voting member of this Association in good standing may vote in person or by proxy with an (original) official proxy form if the member cannot attend the annual election.  A proxy may only be exercised by another voting member of this Association in good standing.

SECTION 9. Absences:

Any Board member, who misses three or more regular meetings during the year, will be relieved of their post within the Board unless ruled otherwise by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE V

COMMITTEES

 The President shall appoint such committees as he/she deems necessary for the advancement of the Association.  No committee of the Association shall have the power or authority to bind or obligate the Association for any liabilities or the payment of funds without the approval of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI

EXPULSION AND REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERS

SECTION 1.  Expulsion:

No member shall at any time use their affiliation with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Central California for the purpose of promoting schemes, ideas, or objects for the purpose of private or collective gain.  A member of the Association may be expelled for conduct unbecoming a member of this Association, or conduct, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, which is calculated or likely to injure or discredit the Association or its members.  Such charges shall be filed by a member with the Secretary/Treasurer who shall notify the accused of the charges in writing.  Such conduct, upon coming to the attention of the Board of Directors, shall be investigated and the results filed with the Secretary/Treasurer.  The member, so accused, shall be given an opportunity to appear before either the Board of Directors or the membership, or both, if the accused wishes, in their own defense.

If, by a majority vote by secret ballot of all the voting members of the Association present, after hearing of said charge, it shall deem such conduct as just cause for expulsion, the accused member shall be expelled from the Association.  Notice in writing of the Association’s finding shall be sent to the person charged.

SECTION 2.  Reinstatement:

Any former member suspended for non-payment of dues desiring to be reinstated to membership will apply for reinstatement in the same manner as provided for an applicant for membership a reinstatement fee of $50.00 may be charged, at the discretion of the Board of Directors for up to a five year period after prior dues became delinquent.  Application for reinstatement must be accomplished by remittance of such dues and/or other charges owed the Association as are due and payable at the time of such application.

 ARTICLE VII

MEETINGS

SECTION 1. Regular Meetings:

The monthly meeting of this Association will normally be held during the third week of the month, but the date is at the discretion of the Host Superintendent and the Committee Chairperson appointed by the president.  Notices of said meetings will be electronically mailed, unless other request has been made, no less than ten (10) days before the meeting to all members in good standing. The Committee Chairperson will set the time and place of these meetings.

SECTION 2. Business Meeting:

An annual Business meeting shall be held in January of each year for the purpose of electing members of the Board of  Directors, and to conduct business pertaining to the welfare of the Association. The President shall present committee information and allow discussion. Notice of the Annual Meeting shall be sent to all voting members no less than twenty (20) days prior to the meeting.

SECTION 3.  Closed Meeting:

The President with the approval of the Board of Directors shall have the power to call closed meetings for Class A and Superintendent Member members.

SECTION 4.  Order of Business

The order of business at regular meetings of the association shall be as follows:

  • Roll Call
  • Minutes of previous meeting
  • Communications
  • Reports of Officers
  • Reports of Committees
  • Unfinished Business
  • New Business
  • Question Box
  • Adjourn meeting

ARTICLE VIII

BENEVOLENCE FUND

Section 1 Creation of Fund:

There shall be a Benevolence fund which shall be created by allocating a portion of the net profits from the annual Al Glaze Memorial Scholarship & Research Tournament and the annual Lowell Stone Charities Golf Tournament. The Board of Directors will allocate funds twice annually to be deposited into the Benevolence Fund and a minimum fund balance of $500.00 will be maintained.

SECTION 2 Trustees:

The President, Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer shall act as Trustees of the fund, and shall during the period for which they are appointed have the sole power for management, distribution and disbursement of the funds.  The funds shall be paid at the discretion of the Trustees to any disabled or distressed member.

The provisions shall not be construed to vest in any member, a matter of right, payment of any portion of the interest or principal of the trust fund.  The Board of Directors may, from time to time, make recommendations to

the Trustees as to the management and distribution of the funds; such recommendations, however, shall be only advisory.

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENTS

               The Constitution and its By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds favorable vote by secret ballot of the members present at any meeting provided that the proposed amendment has been introduced in writing at the previous regular meeting.

ARTICLE X

INDEMNIFICATION

               The association shall indemnify any and all persons who may serve or have served at any time as officers or directors, and their respective heirs, paid administrators, successors and assigns, against any and all expenses, including amounts paid upon judgments, counsel fees and amounts paid in settlement (before or after suit is commenced). With the defense or by such person in connection with the defense or settlement or any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which they, or any of them are made parties, or a party, which they, or any of them are made parties, or a party, or which may be asserted against them or any of them, by reason of being, or having been, an officer or director of this association, except in relation to matters as to which any such officer or director, or former officer or director, shall be adjudged in any action, suit or proceeding to be liable for those acts and omissions arising out of this or her willful misfeasance.  Such indemnification shall be in addition to any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled including such immunities under any law, bylaw agreement, or otherwise.

ARTICLE XI

DISSOLUTION

In the event of the dissolution of the association, after all liabilities and responsibilities have been met, its assets shall be distributed in accordance with the internal revenue code concerning its exempt status or in accordance with state law.  The decision of distribution shall be made by the executive committee.